Monday, September 12, 2016

What Do the NC & Texas Court Decisions Mean for Trans Students Going Back to School? The Answer Might Surprise You

For transgender students nationwide, last month may have seemed bleak.

Court decisions handed down inTexasandNorth Carolinaon the rights of transgender students to use the correct restrooms were a bit confusing, to say the least. In response, Lambda Legal has come up with a clear guide to help students and schools cut through the noise -- and understand how these decisions affect them.

For transgender and gender nonconforming students:

Under Title IX, a federal civil rights law,schools are still obligated to protect transgender and gender nonconforming students from discrimination. Title IX establishes protections for these students by banning discrimination on the basis of sex in schools that receive federal funding.

The law protects your right to equal education opportunities regardless of your gender identity. So, if your school singles you out for separate treatment by trying to prevent you from using the restroom or locker room that matches your gender identity, your school is violating your rights under federal law.

Moreover, you have the right to be called by the name and pronouns that match your gender identity, as well as to present and dress yourself in a manner than aligns with your gender identity.

For schools and administrators:

Transgender and gender nonconforming students have clear rights—andit is your responsibility under federal law to protect them.

Under Title IX, students are protected against discrimination based on their gender identity or sex stereotypes. This protects their right to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, their right to have an educational environment free of bullying or other harassment and their right to present and dress themselves in accordance with their gender identity.